Juventus have completed yet another swift and decisive piece of business, securing the free transfer of Zeki Çelik from Roma in a move that has caught the Giallorossi entirely off guard. The Turkish right-back, whose contract at the Stadio Olimpico expires this summer, was understood to be on the verge of signing a renewal with Roma — but Juventus moved quickly, decisively, and successfully to redirect his future to Turin.
How the Deal Happened
Çelik arrived at Roma from Lille in 2022 and has spent four seasons in the Italian capital, developing into a reliable, physically robust right-back with considerable experience in Serie A and European competition. At 27, he is entering what should be the peak years of his career — and the prospect of joining a club with Champions League ambitions and a manager who trusts him was, ultimately, too compelling to resist.
Juventus identified Çelik as an intelligent free-transfer solution to their right-back problem — a position that has lacked a genuine specialist for some time. With the right flank currently occupied by players who are either out of position or surplus to requirements, and with Andrea Cambiaso’s possible departure creating a further gap on the opposite side, strengthening the full-back areas has been an acknowledged priority. Çelik addresses the right side cleanly and at zero transfer cost — precisely the kind of deal that defines the Carnevali method.
Roma Left Frustrated
For Roma, the outcome is doubly frustrating. Not only have they lost a player they considered close to renewing, but the club who has taken him is a direct domestic rival competing in the same European competition next season. The speed with which Juventus moved — concluding the operation before Roma could finalise the contractual formalities of their own renewal — is a reminder of the efficiency with which the new administration is operating in the market when an opportunity presents itself.
Building the Squad Piece by Piece
Çelik’s arrival represents the latest in a rapid sequence of free-transfer and low-cost acquisitions that are beginning to give shape to Spalletti’s squad. Alongside the imminent confirmations of Pellegrino from Parma and Vicario on loan from Tottenham, and with the Kolo Muani negotiations still active, Juventus are assembling a roster with genuine competitive depth. The era of expensive, underperforming signings has been replaced by one of intelligent, relationship-driven, and financially disciplined recruitment. Çelik is the latest proof of concept.
